Via telephone, President Sandra M. Chapman called the telephonic meeting of the West
Virginia Board of Education to order at 9:02 a.m. on May 3, 2002, in the Board Conference Room,
Capitol Building 6, Room 353, 1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East, Charleston, West Virginia.

Upon motion by Ronald B. Spencer, seconded by Paul J. Morris, the Board approved the
agenda.

III.

Policy 5902 - Employee Code of Conduct

Kenna R. Seal addressed the Board regarding the work of the following committee members:
Dan Richardson, teacher; Richard Board, principal; Mike Hayden, Executive Secretary, West
Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission; Jackie Long, school secretary; Marlene
Reynolds, bus operator; and John Hough representing the Department. Lenore Zedosky and Karen
Huffman were the designated staff from the Department.

Karen Huffman, Assistant Director, Office of Student Services and Assessment, presented
Policy 5902 for the Board's consideration. The existing Teacher Code of Conduct Policy (5902) has
been revised to include all employees. The new policy sets the requirements for the conduct of all
employees in West Virginia schools in order to assure a nurturing, safe and orderly environment that
promotes respect and protects students and employees from conditions harmful to learning or to
health and safety.

Barbara N. Fish indicated a concern with the lack of language regarding penalties. Extensive
discussion took place regarding the addition of W.Va. Code §18A-2-8 to the policy. Mrs. Fish stated
that the purpose of this policy is to see that the children are protected in the schools and
administrators are not allowed to ignore situations. A discussion ensued that the intent of the section
was that administrators and staff are not allowed to ignore wrongful conduct.

Howard M. Persinger, Jr., issued a concern regarding §4.2.5 and requested that staff be
sensitive to the possible interpretation that staff are expected to police other staff, e.g., dress code,
punctuality.

IV.

Roll Call

Because of a telephone interruption, the roll was called and James J. MacCallum was no
longer present.

V.

Policy 5902 - Employee Code of Conduct (Continued)

Dr. Stewart stated that professional development for all employees will be provided as soon
as possible after the passage of this policy.

President Chapman requested the addition of language to the last line of §3.2. to read "A
manner that effectively addresses incidents . . .." Rebecca Tinder requested a change at the
beginning of §3.2. to read "Require that West Virginia's public school employees respond . . .."

President Chapman requested that language in the Executive Summary be refined as follows:
on the second line, add the words "healthy and" prior to "productive adulthood"; under Purpose in
the first paragraph, change the word "administrations" to "administrators"; under Purpose in the
second paragraph add the words "or among" after the word "between".

Upon motion by Sheila M. Hamilton, seconded by J. D. Morris, the Board placed Policy
5902, as amended by the changes in the two preceding paragraphs, on public comment until June 3
for action at the June meeting. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment A.)

VI.

West Virginia Secondary School

Activities Commission (WVSSAC) Rules

Bill Luff, Deputy State Superintendent, presented proposed changes to the rules of the
WVSSAC for the Board's consideration. The rules are being amended to keep abreast of changes,
trends and issues in band and athletic programs. Discussion ensued regarding potential hot topics
addressed in the revised rules. Mr. Luff stated that Mike Hayden would be present at the May and
June meetings to address questions regarding the SSAC rules.

Due to another commitment, Sheila M. Hamilton departed the meeting.

Upon motion by Paul J. Morris, seconded by J. D. Morris, the Board placed the rules of the
WVSSAC on public comment until June 3 for action at the June meeting. (Copy appended to
Official Minutes, Attachment B.)

VII.

Future Meetings

The next regular meeting of the West Virginia Board of Education will take place on
May 8-9, 2002 in Wetzel County, West Virginia.